Tiffin recognized as a National Main Street Community

TIFFIN, OHIO – FEBRUARY
8, 2019 – For the third year in a row, Downtown Tiffin has been re-recognized
by Heritage Ohio as a National Main Street Community.
The Ohio Main Street Program, administered by Heritage Ohio, works with
communities across the state to revitalize their historic or traditional
commercial areas. Based in historic preservation, it focuses on four points:
organization, design, promotions, and economic vitality. Each point is an
integral part in the successful revitalization of a downtown area.

The Ohio Main Street program is a partner of Main Street
America. Accreditation is an honor that must be earned every year by meeting
the program’s high standards as determined by an annual quality audit by state
officials. With this distinction, Downtown Tiffin has received accreditation
for its Main Street program at both the state and national level for 2018, 2017
and 2016.

Downtown Tiffin’s revitalization efforts continue to be
validated and recognized throughout the state. Since becoming a Main Street
Community in 2015, 42 new businesses have located in Downtown Tiffin and more
than $25 million in investment has occurred in the downtown, creating a
vibrancy.

This past October, Downtown Tiffin was presented with three statewide
awards by Heritage Ohio at its Annual Preservation and Revitalization Awards
Ceremony. The Façade Enhancement Grant program won Best Public/Private
Partnership; Suzie Reineke and Weston Reinbolt won Young Preservation Leaders;
and Amy Reinhart won Main Street Manager of the Year.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz, who participated in the
accreditation process Jan. 30 at Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, was
excited to see Downtown Tiffin recognized. “We are doing great things in
Tiffin, and it is validating to see that our efforts were recognized for a
third year by Heritage Ohio. A big thank you to Amy Reinhart and the hard work
of those citizens, business and building owners in our downtown development
committees.”

About the
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic
Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP) is a private,
non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and
community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio. TSEP consistently
ranks among the top communities statewide and nationally for economic and
downtown development. Learn more about the great things going on in Tiffin and
Seneca County at http://www.tiffinseneca.com.

About Heritage Ohio

As Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street
Organization, Heritage Ohio’s mission is to foster economic development and
sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of
downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural
tourism. Since 1998, Heritage Ohio has contracted with the National Trust
for Historic Preservation as Ohio’s state coordinating agency for the Main
Street Program™. Learn more at www.HeritageOhio.org.

Downtown properties can receive up to $1,000 for projects

TIFFIN, OHIO – February
6, 2019 – Following a rollout in 2018, the City of Tiffin again is to offer
downtown property owners a grant to update hanging signs. For 2019, Tiffin City
Council has approved $5,000 in funding for the program which allows for a 50
percent reimbursement of expenses directly related to perpendicular signage on
properties within the downtown target area, up to a maximum match of $1,000. This
grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis from application
approval.

To apply for a grant, the building owner should meet with
Downtown Main Street Manager Amy Reinhart to discuss how the program works and
obtain an application. Eligible improvements include all exterior perpendicular
signage including the bracket. Historical signs, including neon signs, are
eligible to be repaired and restored. Once the application is submitted,
reviewed and deemed complete and without issues, the Architectural Board of
Review will consider it for approval. Projects approved in 2018 include $1,000
to The Ritz Theatre for its marquee, $1,000 to Washington Street Outfitters for
its sign and to restore the bracketing and $1,000 to Viewpoint Graphics to
restore the historic Leiner Men’s Wear sign.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said he was glad to see local
businesses take advantage of the program last year and hopes it will continue
in 2019. “This is a great opportunity to continue to beautify downtown Tiffin
and to increase awareness of the great businesses in our city.”

About the
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic
Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private,
non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and
community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently
ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more
about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at
http://www.tiffinseneca.com.

New role to focus on community, small business and rural development

TIFFIN, OHIO – February 1, 2019 – The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP) is pleased to announce that Audrey Flood has joined the team in the newly created role of Development Manager with a focus on Community, Small Business, and Rural Development. She replaces Katie Lang, Communications Manager, who obtained her real estate license and is now working in the Cleveland area for Howard Hanna. Flood will work part-time beginning February 1 until after she graduates with her Master of Public Administration degree from The Ohio State University in May.

Lang’s departure, combined with the departure last fall of
former Development Manager Bryce Riggs, who left to become Associate Director
of Development at Tiffin University, provided TSEP with an opportunity to
redesign the organization to improve our services to the community and economy.
Nick Dutro replaced Riggs and started on January 2, with a focus on commercial
and industrial development.

“Audrey is a perfect fit for this position, and we couldn’t
be happier she is joining our team,” TSEP President & CEO David Zak said. “She
truly loves Tiffin and Seneca County, has a real passion for public and
nonprofit work, has already built a solid network of relationships, and gained
relevant experience through her work at the Tiffin Community Foundation.”

Flood said she is excited to get started. “After six years
in Columbus at Ohio State, I am ecstatic to be moving back to work in my
hometown community and I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to pursue my
passion for public service with this organization,” she said. “I feel that this
position is a perfect way for me to get involved in the extraordinary momentum
that Tiffin and Seneca County are experiencing.”

In addition to her work at the Tiffin Community Foundation,
she has also worked with the Columbus Police Foundation, State Rep. Bill
Reineke, The Columbus Foundation, and Patchworks House. She holds a bachelor’s
degree in psychology with minors in public policy and nonprofit studies from
The Ohio State University and received an honors diploma from Mohawk High
School. During her time as a masters student at Ohio State’s John Glenn College
of Public Affairs, she has focused her studies on local government and
nonprofits

TSEP Board Chair Lynn Detterman is confident in the new hire. “We are excited that Audrey will be joining the TSEP office as our new development manager, and we know she will help us be a force for good in the Tiffin-Seneca County community,” she said.

About the
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic
Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private,
non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and
community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently
ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more
about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.com.

Renovation of downtown property aided by $10,000 in grants

TIFFIN, OHIO – January 30, 2019 – Modern artist Tom Hoffman has announced plans to open a new art gallery, Court Street Gallery, showcasing his work and that of other artists at 33 Court Street in downtown Tiffin’s historic district. Hoffman previously had a gallery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is excited to offer his gallery vision to residents of Seneca County and Northwest Ohio.

“I wanted a place
to showcase my art and show other artists eventually,” Hoffman said. “I love
Tiffin and think it’s a really great town; it’s blossoming, and I want to be part of that,” he added.

Hoffman has a degree in
architecture from the University of Illinois and was first an interior designer
with a thriving business and a move to Tiffin prompted him to put his art to
the forefront. Hoffman is to use part of the renovated storefront for a gallery
space and art studio, and he is to live in one of the upper apartments.

Andy Faber, partner with building owners Tiffin Capital
Investments LLC, purchased the building in March 2017, said the renovation was
a new experience for the group and thanked Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership
and guidance from other property owners and their bank as they updated the storefront and five
apartments.

“The four of us just did this. We’re four buddies who started
this over a beer. We looked at other properties and this one made the most
sense,” Faber said. “We’ve really resurrected a building down there. It’s crazy
to look back, seeing people living there and making it a home is absolutely
awesome.”

In 2016, the previous owner received a $10,000 Façade
Enhancement Grant that was used for repairs to slate, masonry,
windows, cornices, roof, and dormers, as well as painting. In August
2018, Faber and his associates started the process on the Community
Reinvestment Area (CRA) for tax abatement, which is awaiting approval upon
completion of renovations.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said he
is excited about the project. “It is great that the city of Tiffin will have
another attraction in its downtown, and we are pleased to see that a historic
building has been brought back to life by members of our community.”

The Diane Kidd Gallery on
the campus of Tiffin University will host “Evolving,” an exhibition of abstract
paintings by Hoffman through February 21, 2019.

About the
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic
Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private,
non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and
community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently
ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more
about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.com.

Business partners with national clothing wholesaler

TIFFIN, OHIO – JANUARY 28, 2019 –Tom Rodgers Flowers announced
today that they have finalized a deal with Jim’s Formal Wear to expand their
operation and sell and rent designer clothing at their 245 South Washington
Street location in downtown Tiffin. The store upgrades, including dressing
rooms, will be complete this year and products are to be available by
Valentine’s Day. Brian Ferguson, Owner and President of Tom Rodgers Flowers, expects
to add two more staff members this year as well.

Based in Trenton, Illinois, Jim’s Formal Wear provides
clothing nationally through seven service centers, eight regional hubs, and
5,000 retail locations nationwide. Currently, there one location in Attica
(Seneca County), and other area stores can be found in Fremont, Findlay, Maumee
and Upper Sandusky. The company specializes in clothing for weddings, formal
dances and special events and offers items from designers such as Michael Kors,
Calvin Klein, Jean Yves and Lauren by Ralph Lauren.

Ferguson is pleased the project is moving forward: “Jim’s
Formal Wear is a great strategic partner, and it will allow us to expand our
business throughout the area. We service a lot of weddings, homecomings and
proms, so I think this is a really good fit for our business.”

Established in 1947, Tom Rodgers Flowers has a successful
history of providing quality floral arrangements, Ohio-made or -packaged homemade
and gourmet food products, memorial items for funerals, gifts and customized
gift baskets, as well as home decor. The company also recently expanded its
delivery fleet and becomes the fourth business to offer clothing in the
downtown area, joining stores like Washington Street Outfitters, Simply Susan’s
and Tuxedo Junction.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz was excited about the announcement:
“Every new business and business expansion in Tiffin and in the downtown
enhances quality of life for residents and makes our community more attractive
for students, visitors and investors.”

About the
Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic
Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private,
non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and
community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently
ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more
about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at http://www.tiffinseneca.com.

Seneca Anti-Wind Union to cut ribbon in historic Laird Arcade

Press release provided by Seneca Anti-Wind
Union

“It was officially announced Tuesday via the Seneca Anti-Wind Union Facebook page that the Seneca Anti-Wind Union now has a physical office space in Downtown Tiffin. I would like to formally invite you all to attend our official public ribbon cutting event that is being hosted by the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Services on Tuesday, January 22nd at 4:00 PM.

The ribbon cutting event will take place in front of the our office doors which are located next to Same Day Signs on Market Street (see map). Our official address is 76 E. Market St., Suite B. The office is located in the beautiful and historic Laird Arcade Building right across the corner from the new Joint Justice Center.

Please spread the word as this event is completely open to the public. We also would love to have each and every one of you sign our ribbon.

Projects represent almost 40,000 in downtown investment

TIFFIN, OHIO – January 15, 2019 – Today, the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) approved the first two Façade Enhancement Grants for 2019 for two projects in downtown Tiffin. The City of Tiffin has set aside $100,000 for projects this year.

Atkin Investments LLC had requested $10,000 to reroof and replace gutters at their 269 S. Washington St. apartment complex, for a total estimated investment of $31,600. Building owner Justin Atkin was the first person to apply for the program this year. “I have been waiting three years for this program, so I can do some necessary improvements to my building,” he said.

In another project, Lange Gordon Rannigan & Claus LLC requested $4,200 for updates to their offices in the historic Advertiser Building at 27 Court St. to repaint the first floor exterior, repair lighting fixtures and install a new awning for a total estimated investment of $8,300.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz commented: “This program continues to be a great benefit to beautify our city,” he said. “That we are getting projects coming to us so early in the calendar year to take advantage of the program, now in its fifth year, makes me proud in city council’s continued support of the Façade Enhancement Grant.”

To apply for a Façade Enhancement Grant, the building owner should meet with Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership Downtown Main Street Manager Amy Reinhart to discuss how the program works and obtain an application. Once the application is submitted, reviewed and deemed complete and without issues, the Architectural Board of Review will consider it before approval. Since the program’s inception in 2014, 65 projects have been approved for a total downtown investment of nearly $2.2 million.

About the Façade Enhancement Program

This City of Tiffin reimbursement grant program was started in 2014 and provides a 50 percent match of funds for eligible exterior improvements on residential and commercial structures within the downtown historic district, up to $10,000. Each building is eligible to receive up to $10,000 per calendar year. For more information, visit http://www.senecasuccess.com (search “Façade Enhancement”).

About the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.com.

The Business Basics seminar is a two-hour session designed to answer questions about starting, buying or expanding a small business. Participants are walked through the basics of name registration, licensing, taxes, advisors, business entities, employees, insurance, financing, business planning and more.

The seminars take place at the Seneca Regional Chamber and Visitor Services’ Community Room from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on the following 2019 dates:

January 9

February 13

March 13

April 10

May 8

June 12

August 14

September 11

October 9

November 13

To register, contact Bill Auxter at 419.559.2210 or bauxter@terra.edu. Click here for more general information.

The Sandusky County Engineers Office is partnering with Microsoft locally to host a free STEAM outreach event January 25-27, 2019 at Terra State Community College in Fremont, Ohio.

The Back to School Code-A-Thon is a FREE 48 hour program that gives students an opportunity to use technology, research, and collaborate to address issues and problems confronting the human race on a global scale. Students will work together to learn to code HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while learning to use tools like GitHub to build a website that reflects their ideas and commitment to problem solving. Prizes are available for the teams that create the top three projects in their location! This is an international event, and students will be able to speak, work, and learn with other students around
the world via live video, web, and telecommunication technology! Returning students will have the opportunity to learn more advanced JavaScript, and advanced Web Development using React.

• Learn web development in a collaborative environment
• Meet students from around the nation
• Find solutions to real global problems using technology

This event will occur simultaneously with other locations internationally and a maximum of 50 kids locally will be taught basic coding skills using web-based software that they can continue to access post-event.

This program is open to any student 13-18 years-old with a willingness to learn, work collaboratively, and who has a desire to address real global issues for the betterment of all mankind. If you are such a student, please join us for this event. Students will stay on
site throughout the 48 hour program. You may select your location when you register.

Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

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Our mission:

The Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation organized for the purpose of attracting, retaining and expanding business in Seneca County.
It facilitates projects and initiatives that promote and support community downtown and economic development.